I was graciously invited to attend the Mayors Cup Challenge this year by John Blevins and the WCBA (Waukegan Charter Boat Association). I arrived at 6:30 AM and enjoyed an excellent breakfast. I met many good people during breakfast including Mayor Bill Durkin, Bill Cullerton (famous radio personality) and Dana Sabonjian (daughter of Robert V. Sabonjian).
The band played and a flag was raised, kicking off the 23rd annual Robert V. Sabonjian Mayors Cup and the 1999 Salmon fishing season on the Great Lakes.
After some confusion about what actual boat I was going to be on I ended up with a great crew on the Barbara Joe. I was fishing along side of Tom Franklin Sr., Tom Franklin Jr., John McNary, Bill Koch, and Ryan Taylor. We had a great time on the boat even though the fishing left something to be desired. It seems that the fishing recently has been kinda tough. The winds have been from the east kicking up the shoreline and muddying up the waters. Captain Joe Marroco told me that they have been doing real good catching big Coho (bigger Coho than previous years at this time of the year). Prior to this bad weather the fishing has been great, but the weather is bound to improve and with it, the fishing.
One of the guys wasn't feeling real good, but the rest of us had a blast being out on Lake Michigan on a beautiful day like this. The huge boat has all the facilities, including a head and a couch. What more can you ask for!
The fishing was tough today, yet there were many successful fishermen.
The Mayors Cup continued on through the lunch hour while everyone ate and listened to the announcing of the prize winners. All in all, it was a spectacular day, spending much time with others who enjoy fishing in the great out doors on one of the greatest natural resources in the world, Lake Michigan.
The annual Salmon Classic fishing derby begins on 5/15/99 and runs through 5/31/99 out of the Lake County waters of Lake Michigan. You can win many prizes.
See details.Visit the Waukegan Charter Boat Association home page at: